Can't remember which app or folder you last used for that report? The Microsoft 365 (Office) app is a free Windows hub that lists your recent Office files and opens the right app for each. Since January 2025 Microsoft calls it the Microsoft 365 Copilot app and has added Copilot Chat.
Which files appear in the recent list?
Recent files from Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Visio and other Microsoft apps appear in one list, including files shared with you in Outlook and Teams. Select a document to open it in the associated program. This view is handy for returning to a file without first locating it in its folder or launching the app that last handled it.
How do you start a new document?
Choose a Microsoft 365 app from the hub to start working in it, or create a document from scratch. Newly created content is added to the hub’s recent-content area, giving you a direct route back to it later. The editing takes place in the corresponding Office app, while this UWP app provides a central place to find and launch documents and programs.
How does OneDrive fit into the workflow?
The app can sync documents with OneDrive so they are available through the cloud on other devices. This ties the recent-file hub to the same files you access elsewhere with your Microsoft account. A free Microsoft account comes with 5 GB of OneDrive storage, shared with Outlook attachments; Microsoft 365 plans raise this to 1 TB.
Pros
- Recent files from Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office apps appear together
- Shortcuts open Microsoft 365 apps from the same hub
- New documents appear in the recent-content area
- OneDrive sync keeps documents available across devices
Cons
- Only a launcher; editing happens in other apps
- Pushes Copilot and Microsoft 365 upgrades
System requirements: Windows 10, Windows 11
Is the Microsoft 365 (Office) app the same as the Microsoft 365 Copilot app?
Yes. Microsoft renamed it in January 2025 and added Copilot Chat to the hub.
Can this app edit Word or Excel files by itself?
No. It finds and opens documents; editing happens in the installed Office apps or in Office for the web.
Do I need a subscription?
The hub is free with a Microsoft account. Full desktop editing and extra Copilot features need a Microsoft 365 plan.